Detail of Oil on Canvas painting "The Gathering" by Patrick McGrath Muñiz (2014)
On my last blog post I started to explore the
subject of the Muses and how they are actively participating in the creative
act. Now it would be good to get to know a little more about each one of the
nine Muses, their archetypal functions and how they may influence particular
aspects of our art. These re-interpretations derive from a study of Archetypal
Astrology as well as Classical Mythology. Although the number of Muses varies
from source to source, the tradition has held on to the number 9 plus Apollo,
the leader of the Muses making 10 in the end. There seems to be an interesting
correspondence between them and the ten principal archetypes discussed in
Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. Just as Tarnas brings back these mythical
planetary figures into a contemporary world perspective, I would like to
explore the Muses in both a personal and transpersonal context. Interestingly
the Muses posses a concrete form as asteroids and already have an astrological
significance in themselves. Aware of this I still believe they are reflected in
the ten major planetary archetypes as well. This is just another approach in
order to understand these goddesses of inspiration.
Calliope
The "fair voice" Muse of epic poetry,
inspiration for the oldest works of Western Literature, the Illiad and the
Odyssey (Homer's Muse) and mother of Orpheus. She is the eldest of the Muses
who also bestowed eloquence to kings and princes. Calliope is the daughter of
Zeus and Mnemosyne (Memory). Her wisdom and centrality among the nine Muses
often recalls the image of Mother Earth. Once thought to be the center of the
Universe, our planet still is the source of all life as we know it. When it
comes to artistic creations, Calliope is the muse who tells the epic story of
humanity while nurturing our internal artist child. She guides Orpheus to
create the most beautiful music in the world, music that not only soothes his
fellow humans but all animals and plants, Gaia's children. She blesses all
artists, musicians, writers, researches, astrologers, who are sincere as
children in their art and are devoted to the creation of epic works.
Calliope by Marcello Bacciarell,
18th century
Clio
The 'renown' muse of History, mother of Hyacinth,
usually depicted holding a scroll or tablet and pen. Clio is also known as 'The
Proclaimer'. She oversees historians, teachers, historical novelists and
narrative painters. Clio helps us understand that history is not linear but
cyclical, involving life, death and rebirth. History is the story of a never
ending human evolution and constant transformation on every level (social,
economic, political, environmental and cultural). These qualities have an
interesting resemblance with the astrological Pluto, who rules over death,
destruction, decay but also regeneration and rejuvenation, all vital
ingredients in the cyclic art of history. G. Santayana once said “Those who
cannot remember their past are condemned to repeat it". History can be
personal as well as collective and if we can learn from both and find the
connections, our purpose in life and art can attain a higher ground. Clio
reminds us of the importance of history in order to make art that is meaningful
and relevant not only to our own time but to all times.
Clio, by Charles Meynier, Oil
on Canvas, 1798
Erato
Her name meaning 'Lovely' or 'delightful' presents
her as the muse of lyric poetry or songs, especially when it’s based on erotic
love. The association here with Venus, the Goddess of Love is quite obvious and
while Aphrodite, her Greek counterpart was specially inclined towards erotic
love along with her son Eros (cupid), the planet Venus in astrology has a much
broader archetypal meaning. As Erato, she presides over love and erotic
feelings but her energy extends beyond to also preside over beauty, the senses
and all kinds of love relationships. She has the power to attract things or have
you feel attracted to something or someone. She might be the most central muse
in art as he is "beauty" itself. Surround yourself by beautiful
objects and images; work in a beautiful setting so you may be constantly
reminded of what making art is all about. But as we can see there are nine
Muses and more aspects to art than simply being beautiful.
Erato by Sir Edward John
Poynter, 1870
Euterpe
Her name means 'gladness' or 'giver of
delight' (flute playing) and she is the Muse of music and elegiac poetry. Most
artists that work with music knows how much easier it is to make art while
listening to beautiful music. This is precisely the realm of Euterpe, Muse of
all music and musicians. The English word for music derives from the words
Musica in Latin and "Mousike techne" (art of the Muses) in Greek. It
is also the origin of the term "Muse". Before Apollo became the god
of music, Mercury/Hermes invented the lyre out of a tortoise shell and he was
also said to be the teacher of Amphion, the first harpist. In astrology Mercury
is the ruler of communications, trade, travel, signs, symbols, notes, reading
and writing. Similarities between Euterpe and astrological Mercury may not be
apparent immediately but when one thinks of the creation of music and how it is
transmitted, we can see how Mercury plays an important role in its composition
and dissemination. I always find it very inspiring to paint with music in the
background. From Ancient, to Classical or New Age to New Wave, Pop and Folk,
beautiful music comes in so many different languages, and different expressions
and it probes highly inspirational while working.
Euterpe,
School of Giovanni, Francesco Romanelli, Oil on panel, 1662
Melpomene
The 'singing' Muse of tragedy is usually
represented with a tragic mask. The Muse that brings inspiration through
feelings of loss, pain and tragedy, she shares territory with Saturn, the
planet/god of suffering, and endurance through hardships and discipline. This
type of energy relates with the satisfaction we get out of hard labor and
strenuous work but also by sadness and feelings of melancholy which can also be
inspiring. Well structured work schedules and appropriate setting that gets us
to work hard, will be well suited for Melpomene. As the saying goes:
"No pain no gain".
Melpomene, a carved marble
bust after the antique, Italian late 18th or early 19th century
Polyhymnia
Polyhymnia means 'Many songs' and she is the Muse of
sacred hymns, dance, agriculture and pantomime. She is also one of the most
quiet and serious of the Muses. Polyhymnia the muse of many songs and many gods
is uniquely spiritual and solemn in her movements. She comes to us in our
quietest moments, when we are at peace with the world and let our soul drift
and float in the infinite ocean of the cosmic creation. Just like Neptune, the
planet of illusion, holistic visions of Utopia and transcendence, Polyhymnia
embraces all channels of understanding and becomes all and one at the same time.
Incense, prayer and quiet environments attract her presence. As an angel of
God, she elevates our soul and aids us in creating art that is sacred and
ethereal. She blesses poets, gardeners, healers, mystics, painters and all
artists and musicians devoted to creating art that evokes the Divine.
Polyhymnia by Joseph Fagnani
Oil painting on canvas, 1869
Terpsichore
Terpsichore
is 'Joy in the dance', the
Muse of dance and lyric poetry and also said to be the mother of the Sirens. Professional dancers, athletes and fitness
trainers understand the creative beauty of the human body and this is precisely
the area of Terpsichore. Physical exercise is as vital as mental exercise when
it comes to creativity. A healthy body that is well balanced and harmonious will
become the appropriate temple a healthy creative spirit. As a painter I find
that the study of human anatomy should not only be about drawing the human
figure but also involve becoming physical and developing physical intelligence
and grace. As one of the seven Da Vincian principles: “Corporalita” proposes an
art that requires the cultivation of grace, ambidexterity,
fitness, and poise. In archetypal terms, Mars, the planet of passion,
discipline, determination and physical impulse immediately comes to mind.
Terpsichore by Johan Heinrich,
1759
Thalia
Her name means has several meanings from 'Abundance’,
‘to bloom’ to ‘good cheer' and she is the Muse of Comedy.. Thalia is the most
jovial of all Muses, reason why she becomes closely related to Jupiter,
"The Greater Benefic" that brings abundance, growth, optimism and a
good supply of laughter. Her place among the nine Muses shows us the importance
of a good sense of humor in any art form and that we should not take ourselves
too seriously all the time. There are plenty of references to be inspired by
which can be found mostly in contemporary pop culture. TV personalities,
comedians and artists who use parody and satire in their creations are blessed
by this goddess. Every once in a while it does well to lighten up, laugh and
have fun right before or while creating an artwork.
Thalia, by Jean-Marc
Nattier
Urania
The
muse of Astronomy/Astrology and therefore could foretell the future by the
placement of the stars. Being associated with Uranus, the planet that rules not
only astrology but scientific revolution, social upheaval, sudden
breakthroughs, technology and modernity, Promethean in nature, Urania can be
called the Muse for contemporary artists, astrologers, psychic and mystics.
Techno/Synth Pop music that is often fasted paced and futuristic is quite
appropriate to invoke her. Urania loves the new, innovative and future driven creations.
That is why she points up to the starry skies and reminds us where we truly
come from.
Urania by Simon Vouet
Apollo
Olympian god of Music, the Arts and
Prophecy, he is the leader of the Muses. Apollo, the Sun god reminds us that as
our solar system has a bright core from which everything else orbits, in the
same way, our motives, dreams and creations orbit our creative spirit, our
center. Every one of us carries within an internal Sun that illuminates and gives
life to our art. We just have to become aware of it and let it shine. As the
planets orbit around our Sun, the Muses revolve around our Soul influencing and
inspiring us to create art that engages more than one aspect in this archetypal
Cosmos.
Apollo of Belvedere, marble antique.
